Many people in the Netherlands are paying more than they should for telecommunications services because they have “sleeping” contracts which they do not update, Dutch consumers authority ACM said on Thursday.

In particular, households in the budget segment with slower internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps are paying more than those with faster speeds who have updated their subscriptions, the ACM said.

The ACM’s research into the telecoms market shows that the quality of telecommunications in the Netherlands is among the best in the world and that most people are satisfied with the cost of their mobile phone services. However, internet services are perceived as being too expensive.

At the same time, the research showed that for 79% of internet contracts, the initial contract period has expired, and this is also the case for 60% of mobile phone contracts.

By failing to check prices, households are paying more than necessary for the same service, the ACM said. For example, the average fee for internet subscriptions with speeds below 100 Mbps is €44 a month, while for those with speeds between 250 and 750 Mbps, the average fee is €41.

ACM board member Manon Leijten said more research is needed, particularly as the copper network is being phased out.

“Telecom companies should also be more active in informing their clients about the best options,” she said. “Access to the internet is essential for participation in society and should remain affordable for everyone.”

The agency said it now plans to take a tougher stance on telecoms firms to ensure they provide proper information to their clients and will launch an investigation into pricing in the budget sector.